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The Subtlety of Deception: Seeing Through Almost-Truths

A softly lit open Bible on a dark, clouded background with a faint serpent-like shadow at the edge; bold text reads “The Subtlety of Deception” with the subline “Discern Truth in a Confused World,” conveying the quiet, subtle nature of falsehood and the need for Scriptural discernment.

⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 2 min read

 

Contending for the Word · Weekly Watch

The Subtlety of Deception: Seeing Through Almost-Truths

Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025 · Host: Dave Jenkins

In a world where deception rarely shouts and often whispers, this episode shows how error arrives as something almost true questioning God’s Word, twisting context, and nudging hearts toward self. From Genesis 3 to Matthew 4, we learn why clarity is kindness and discernment is obedience, and how the Lord equips His people by His Word, His Spirit, and His Church to stand firm.

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Key Scriptures

  • Genesis 3:1–5
  • Matthew 4:1–11
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:21
  • Acts 17:11
  • 2 Peter 1:3
  • Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12
  • Jude 3

Outline & Takeaways

  1. Deception often begins with a question, not a denial: “Did God really say?”
  2. Twisted Scripture is still error: biblical context and the character of God matter.
  3. Discernment is Scripture-shaped clarity; biblical clarity is kindness.
  4. Test everything; hold fast to what is good (1 Thess. 5:21).
  5. God arms His people with His Word, His Spirit, and His Church.
  6. Apply the Word to real life suffering, fear, work, marriage, and witness.
Picture of Dave Jenkins

Dave Jenkins

Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021),  The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
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